Dublin is one of the world’s enigmas – a big city with the atmosphere and friendliness of a small town.
As the capital of the Republic of Ireland, visitors can expect all the hustle and bustle of a leading European city.
But the streets are spread out over a large area and although the city is home to 527,000 Dubliners, away from the beating heart, the neighbourhoods are quiet and peaceful.
Dublin is proud of this tranquillity, and the people will point to the abundance of open spaces, including Phoenix Park, one of the largest green areas in a European city, and the peace of Glasnevin, a massive cemetery where 1.5 million people are at rest.
There’s plenty to do on the tourist trail.
What to do in Dublin
Many visitors look no further than the famous Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery for their entertainment.
But there is so much more to do if you just scratch the surface of Dublin.
Ireland is famous for sport – especially rugby union, soccer and Gaelic football. And don’t forget horse racing.
Dublin is also famous for the crack – hence the trail of stag and hen parties that snake around the city centre bars.
If you stand back and look at Dublin, the city can be divided into vibrant quarters.
The oldest part, the core of historic Dublin, is around the castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral. This was where the Viking founders pulled their ships ashore and built the first camps of the Dubh Linn settlement.
Leafy suburbs
The Liberties is thronged with life and media types rub shoulders with tourists visiting the Guinness Storehouse, the home of the famous black brew.
Not far away is the Creative Quarter, formerly home to the city’s famous rag trade, which gives way to the Georgian Quarter, celebrated for elegant architecture and the world renowned Trinity College.
Every twist and turn of a street leads visitors on an adventure in Dublin.
Just outside the city centre are leafy suburbs lined with guest houses and quaint bars for the locals.
One, in Ona Park, is Egans Guest House, which is a cosy and friendly family run bed and breakfast just a few minutes away from the airport, ferry terminal and city centre.
Find out more about what Dublin has for you here